The Mortgage Files
Nationally syndicated mortgage news and advice from Senior Loan Officer Scott Sheldon.
Why you should wait for your credit to improve before applying for a mortgage
In the current consumer landscape, securing approval for a mortgage is a significant challenge. It’s widely acknowledged that applying for and obtaining a loan can be a bit tricky, considering factors like documentable income, credit history, and available cash. Your financial health, including payments and potential skeletons in the closet, all play crucial roles in…
Read MoreHow to determine which mortgage loan program is best based on your credit score
Choosing the right mortgage is crucial when you’re looking to finance your dream home. Two popular options are FHA loans and conventional loans, each with its own set of guidelines and requirements. In this blog post, we’ll explore the key differences between FHA and conventional loans, focusing on credit scores and how recent updates in…
Read MoreBuilding or Buying a Home with Little or No Down Payment: What to Consider
Title: Building or Buying a Home with Little or No Down Payment: What to Consider Are you dreaming of owning a home, but have little or no cash for a down payment? If you’re in this situation, you might be wondering whether building or buying a home is the right option for you. Both scenarios…
Read MoreHow buying a condo may carry the same mortgage payment as a single family home
If you’re debating between purchasing a condominium unit versus a single-family home, there are several factors to consider. You’ll want to evaluate the monthly mortgage payment, market conditions, and whether you can handle the mortgage payment affordably. Typically, condominium units are less expensive than single-family homes, sometimes by as much as $100,000 or more. However,…
Read MoreHow improving mortgage rates drive purchasing power
Are you in the market for a new home? You might want to take advantage of the current trend in interest rates. In recent weeks, interest rates have come down by about half a percent, which can mean a significant increase in your purchasing power. If you are pre-approved with a mortgage company and looking…
Read MoreWhy a 6 Month job gap on your FHA Mortgage could be an issue
If you are buying or refinancing a home and you’re getting an FHA Mortgage and you’ve had a job in the last six months, this information is going to be particularly important as relates to getting a home loan. The following is what you need to know… If you are getting an FHA mortgage loan…
Read MoreWhat happens with real estate prices when interest rates ultimately fall?
It’s no surprise that interest rates drive the housing market. If more people can buy a home, more demand is created and more demand drives housing prices up, which subsequently results in gaining home equity. Following are the dynamics that transpire in the market when interest rates come down… Homeowners stand to gain more equity…
Read MoreAre USDA loans worth the hype?
The US Department of Agriculture guarantees loans for certain families in certain geographic locations. These loans can be potentially an affordable loan program to help a family who doesn’t have a down payment buy a home in an area considered to be less industrialized a.k.a. agricultural. If you’re looking to get a USDA loan, here…
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